South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail launched a new mural at London Waterloo on Friday (24 October) as a lasting commemoration for Railway 200 at Britain’s largest station.
‘200 Years of Romance’ was created by artist Patricio Forrester, the founder of Artmongers, who are known for their work composing public murals.
To create the mural, colleagues at SWR and Network Rail submitted images that they felt represented the best of the railway, while local rail community groups were also asked to contribute.
The unique contributions include:
- A cake celebrating Brockenhurst station’s 178th birthday this year
- A fond farewell to the Island Line’s 1938 London Underground trains, which were retired in 2021
- Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Salisbury station during her Diamond Jubilee in 2012
- A moment of pride from London Waterloo’s 175th anniversary celebrations in 2023
Stuart Meek (above, middle), SWR’s Chief Operating Officer, unveiled the mural alongside artist Patricio Forrester and Mike Lamport.
Mike (above, right) – a historian, member of the Railway 200 Steering Group, and former railwayman – can trace a family connection to London Waterloo as far back as the 1850s. Mike’s great grandfather, Matthew, worked as guard with the London & South Railway. The family connection continues as Mike’s son Andrew works as a guard at SWR today.
Patricio (above, left) took inspiration by travelling on the SWR network, visiting stations, including London Waterloo.
Artist and founder of Artmongers, Patricio Forrester, said:
The three aspects integral to the design of the mural were Monumental, Industrial, Perspective. The joining of two tracks, the vanishing point on the platform as the train passes through the station. London Waterloo is monumental and industrious just like a cathedral. This gave me the idea to showcase the photos as stained glass, the photos have been designed to look translucent to let the light through, much like stained glass.
The mural can be found near Exit 3 and is made up of approximately 40 images. Around 200 people were involved in compiling the collection, documenting special moments connected to rail, including those who work and volunteer on the railway, as well as local groups.
Speaking on behalf of South Western Railway and Network Rail, Paula Aldridge, Community Rail Manager at South Western Railway, said:
Waterloo’s new mural showcases so many special moments. It shows how important the railway is to people, but also how the railway’s 200-year history is all about people.
The artwork has given this part of the station a new lease of life and sits proudly in the busy heart of London, for all to see.
Image credit: SWR
